Top 6 Things to Do in Carlsbad

You are here

4 Oct 2018

If you've vacationed in the Carlsbad, San Diego area before, you know that there are no shortage of things to do in town. But how can you pick which things to do first? We've got you covered, with the complete list of the top things to do in Carlsbad. Read on to start planning your trip, and don't forget to reserve your beachfront vacation rental.

Top 7 Things to do in Carlsbad, CA

Legoland will please the whole family, with over 60 rides, seven water slides in a waterpark and a sea life aquarium! You can easily spend a whole day (or more) exploring Legoland California. All are encouraged to bring their LEGO Minifigures to trade throughout the day, and you can even meet the LEGO characters in costume!

Terra Mar Point is a hidden gem with relatively small crowds, because it is a bit difficult to get to. While it is techinically part of South Carlsbad State Beach, there aren't any signs indicating so. Take a long beach walk south of Warm Warm Jetty Beach or staircase down from Carlsbad Boulevard to this beach area with large swells, that are perfect for short and long boards.

Enjoy over 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, coordinated into a spectacular display. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch provides the perfect opportunity for a family photo. These flowers only bloom six to eight weeks each year, so if you want to visit the Flower Fields, you'll have to plan a Carlsbad vacation sometime from early March to early May.

Journey into the heart of a 27-acre canyon and former working ranch, once owned by actor Leo Carillo. You will love the historic adobe buildings, antique windmills, and abundance of history here. Peacocks freely roam the historic park, and the foliage is picture-perfect, with Birds of Paradise and other notable plants springing up all around.

Take a self-guided tour around the park or go for a hike on the 4-mile long Rancho Carillo Trail. The Lee Carillo Ranch Historic Park is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am - 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.

The Batiquitos Lagoon covers 561 acres of municipally-protected game sanctuary and bird estuary, operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A great variety of wildlife call the Batiquitos Lagoon home, including endangered birds like the Snowy Plover and the Clapper Rail.

The Batiquitos Lagoon's north shore is an excellent place to take the family on a short walk along 1.3 miles of trail (and dogs are allowed too)! Those with a fishing license can fish from the rock jetties at the mouth of the lagoon.

The Wave Waterpark offers the perfect break from the beach. Enjoy floating down the lazy river or boogie board on the flow rider! Kids can sign up for a Mermaid class, where they put on Mermaid tails and learn to swim like Ariel. There are swim lessons, splash camps and you can also rent cabanas for the day.